Tailhook 2025
F/A-XX Next Generation Naval Fighter Selection Could Still Happen
The Navy’s Air Boss says he is still “eagerly awaiting” a decision about moving ahead with F/A-XX.
AIM-260 Air-To-Air Missile Funding To Start Production Sought In New Budget
The AIM-260A is being developed as a far longer-ranged replacement for the workhorse AIM-120 air-to-air missile.
Choice Of C-130 For New Navy ‘Doomsday Plane’ Questioned In Watchdog Report
The Navy is acquiring E-130Js to replace critical, but aging 707-based E-6B Mercury nuclear command and control aircraft.
New Details On F/A-18 Super Hornet’s Troubled IRST Pod
The badly needed Block II IRST pod is breaking every 14 hours, on average, during testing.
E-2 Hawkeye Replaces USAF E-3 Sentry, E-7 Cancelled In New Budget
The E-2D is far smaller than the E-7 and lacks some of its abilities, but it can fly from austere forward bases where the E-7 cannot.
What We Just Learned A More Advanced “Ferrari” F-35 Could Include
Pilot optional capability, new coatings, and significant airframe changes could go into a ‘fifth-gen-plus’ F-35, but many questions remain.
F-35C Naval Joint Strike Fighters Have Been Shooting Down Houthi Drones
F-35Cs are also striking targets in Yemen, with their stealth being of unique importance as the Houthi air defense threat comes into the spotlight.
EA-18G Bristles With Rare Four Anti-Radiation Missile Loadout On Yemen Mission
A Growler electronic attack jet packing four AGM-88 anti-radiation missiles launched on a mission as Houthi air defenses remain a problem.
MQ-28 Ghost Bat Is Of “Strong Interest” To The U.S. Navy
The Navy is involved in testing of Australia’s MQ-28, and the drone could be well placed to capitalize on the service’s emerging CCA program.
M-346N Pitched To Replace Navy’s T-45 Goshawk Jet Trainers
The Navy has meanwhile decided that its new jet trainer will not have to operate from aircraft carriers.